Pond Ice, a Short Introduction. Ice has the same risks as outdoor water, it’s dangerous. If you don’t understand it, don’t go near it. THERE IS NO FUN IN FALLING THROUGH IT.
I would like to finish here but:- There is no uniformity in thickness of ice on a pond/lake. Just like depth of water. Local people would know better than you, so ask. Also, be careful - every day, hour, minute there are variables. Wet snow falling on ice makes it weak, it gives an open structure caused by air pockets as does melted snow when re-freezing. Slush ice - stay off. Grey ice - stay off.
Thickness There are too many variables, size, depth, position, weather, early/late winter etc. To assume that ice will be thickest near the edge and thinner near the middle or vice versa is dangerous. It is what it is on the day you are there. As stated before, ice covered with snow is thinner therefore weaker than uncovered ice. It is generally accepted that ice needs to be around 4 inches (10cm) thick to be able to support a person walking or skating.
If you know that you are going onto ice:-
You should not be on your own.
Let someone know where and when you are going and when you will be back.
Personally check the ice frequently.
Look for large cracks and avoid them.
Do not walk in single file.
Have a fully charged mobile phone in a plastic, zip sealed bag and the “what3words” app. in that phone.
You will possibly have 10min to get out of the water before you start to lose the use of your hands, fingers, arms and legs, you could also drown in this time or suffer cardiac arrest, or last gasp syndrome.
Hypothermia The harder you work to get out of the water, the quicker you will get hypothermia. Make your phone-call. Try to make your exiting the water work the first time. If getting out does not work in the first 2 or 3 times, try not to panic, keep as still as you can with your legs together and keep your head out of the water and wait for help to arrive.
Getting out
Get both arms out of the water with a full reach over the ice facing the way you came.
Use your legs in a “front crawl” action to lift you up and over the edge of the ice. Try to keep kicking as hard as you can to drive you up over the edge of the ice.
When most of your body is on the ice, lift your legs up onto the ice behind you, keep lying flat and roll over, away from the hole. Stay low and make your way back to where you started.
If available, get your First Aid kit out and spare clothing and start getting warm.
Hints and Tips
Wear the correct clothing, NOT a hoodie, jeans and trainers
Wear layers of clothing it will hold some air for a short while, helping you to float for a short while. Try not to get your head wet
Never go alone
If there are children, never leave them alone or take your eyes off them
Adults, do not stop doing risk assessments. Keep looking and listening
Keep spare clothing and a First Aid kit in your back pack. This first aid kit must be specific for the activity. The spare clothing should be in a waterproof plastic bag with a zip seal,
Take a short piece 5m (no less) of strong cord. One end of the cord fastened to you, the other end fastened to your back pack. Now you have a drag bag. Should you go through the ice you will be carrying less weight making it easier to get out. The back pack should stay on the ice keeping it dry. There should be some food and a hot drink in your pack.
As I said at the start, this is a short introduction giving you considerations and ideas. This article does not contain everything. Some people have written books about this. Safety matters, there is no easy way to do it. A life could depend on a choice, could you be prepared to make that choice. A simple overriding choice is “NOT SURE, DON’T GO”.
Get more information and/or become a first aider, contact Life Saving Solutions Limited and be able to help friends, family, work colleagues and anyone who can use your help.